The Antarctic explorers will
finally be laid to rest together in
South Georgia as part of a
commemorative voyage.
POLAR cruise operator, One Ocean
Expeditions has committed to carry the
ashes of Frank Wild CBE to their final
resting place next to Sir Ernest Shackleton –
exactly 90 years since their last voyage
together.
The cruise, which departs in November,
will grant Wild’s last wish to be buried next
to Shackleton.
Wild died in South Africa in 1939 but his
wish was never granted due to the outbreak
of World War II a week after his death.
British journalist and Polar historian,
Angie Butler, recently tracked down Wild’s
ashes in Johannesburg and the story of her
search is recounted in her new book, ‘The
Quest for Frank Wild’.
Among their extensive work together, Wild
and Shackleton were members of Robert
Falcon Scott’s historic 1901 expedition and
Douglas Mawson’s 1911 Aurora expedition.
Wild was Shackleton’s second-incommand
during the ill-fated trans-
Antarctic expedition aboard the Endurance,
and when Shackleton travelled to South
Georgia to organise a rescue attempt, Wild
remained on Elephant Island for four
months in command of the remaining 22
crew members.
Shackleton died of a heart attack on South
Georgia and was buried there.
Cabins are still available on the
commemorative voyage, which departs from
Ushuaia, Argentina on 20 November 2011,
returning on 08 December 2011.
Among the confirmed special guests are
Angie Butler, Sir Ernest’s granddaughter
Alexandra Shackleton, and three of Wild’s great
and great-great nieces and nephews, all of
whom reside in Australia.
For further information about this
intriguing exploration contact your travel
agent or Active Travel on (02) 9264 1231.